Display device and vehicle

ABSTRACT

A vehicle has a display device which widens the field of view (visible area) reflected by a side mirror or a back mirror mounted on the vehicle. To enable a driver driving the vehicle to confirm safety even when it is difficult for the driver to visually recognize some of objects surrounding the vehicle, a liquid crystal display device or an EL display device is provided in the side mirror (door mirror), the back mirror (room mirror) or in an interior portion of the vehicle. A camera is mounted on the vehicle and an image from the camera is displayed on the display device. Further, information read from a sensor (distance measuring sensor) having the function of measuring the distance to another vehicle, and a sensor (impact sensor) having the function of sensing an externally applied impact force larger than a predetermined value is displayed on the display device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to the structure andfunctions of vehicles for conveyance of people and goods, for towing ofcars for conveyance of such objects, and for other special purposes.More particularly, the present invention relates to the structure andfunctions of side and back mirrors mounted on a vehicle.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] The term “vehicle” used in this specification refers to anelectric train, a motor vehicle (e.g. car), or the like. Popularizationof vehicles typified by motor vehicles is progressing because of theirconvenience.

[0005] A vehicle is provided with a side mirror (door mirror) and a backmirror (room mirror), which are used by a driver to confirm safety atthe time of lane change, for example.

[0006] In this specification, “side mirror (door mirror)” refers to amirror mounted on each side of the body of a vehicle to provide a driverwith a rear view, and “back mirror (room mirror)” refers to a mirrorwhich is mounted in or adjacent to a space containing the driver's seatto provide a driver with a rear view, and which is called a rearviewmirror.

[0007] When a driver driving a vehicle on a road makes a lane change, itis difficult for the driver to perform necessary visual safetyconfirmation since the driver is in the forward-facing driving position.It is also difficult for the driver to visually perform safetyconfirmation when backing the vehicle into a carport since a place atthe rear of the vehicle is in the driver's blind spot. In suchsituations, the driver drives the vehicle by relying on informationobtained from scenes reflected by the side and back mirrors. However,the field of view (visible area) through each of the side and backmirrors is not sufficiently wide.

[0008] Under the above-described circumstances, the present inventionaims to widen the fields of view through side and back mirrors.

[0009] It is important that a driver driving a vehicle on a road shouldrecognize the distance to another vehicle in any direction to avoid anaccident. However, drivers usually speed excessively when driving in thenight. Further, drivers tend to speed excessively after moving from ahighway to an ordinary road because of the influence of a sensation ofhigh speed in driving on the highway. Traffic accidents occur frequentlyin such situations, because drivers do not always correctly recognizethe vehicle speed and the distance to another vehicle in any direction.

[0010] Therefore, it is desirable that a driver who drives a vehicle anda fellow passenger be able to obtain necessary information such as thedistance to another vehicle at any time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of theabove-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention isto provide a vehicle having a camera and a sensor for enabling each of adriver who drives the vehicle and the fellow passengers to obtainnecessary information.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a displaydevice capable of displaying information read from a camera and asensor, and a vehicle having such a display device.

[0013] According to the present invention, to enable a driver drivingthe vehicle to confirm safety even when it is difficult for the driverto visually recognize some of objects surrounding the vehicle, a liquidcrystal display device or an EL display device is provided in a sidemirror (door mirror), a back mirror (room mirror) or in an interiorportion of the vehicle. In this specification, the liquid crystaldisplay device and the EL display device will be collectively called“display device”. Further, to enable the driver and a fellow passengerin the vehicle to obtain necessary information at any time, the vehicleis provided with a camera, a distance measuring sensor and an impactsensor and information obtained from the camera or each sensor isdisplayed on the display device.

[0014] The camera is provided on the vehicle at a position selected asdesired, and an image obtained by the camera is displayed on the displaydevice, thereby increasing the field of view obtained through the sidemirror or the back mirror. The distance measuring sensor has thefunction of measuring the distance to another vehicle, and the impactsensor has the function of sensing an externally applied impact forcelarger than a predetermined value. Information read from each sensor isdisplayed on the display device.

[0015] An alarm device is also provided which includes an audio device,a display device and a control circuit. When the impact sensor outputs adanger signal, this signal is supplied to a CPU provided in the vehicle.The CPU supplied with the danger signal outputs a signal for indicationof a danger to the display device and a signal for warning of the dangerto the audio device. The display device gives an indication of thedanger and the audio device gives a warning of the danger. Thus, thedriver and the fellow passenger can be warned of the danger.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 is a top view of a vehicle of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 2 is a front view of the vehicle shown of the presentinvention;

[0018]FIG. 3 is a rear view of the vehicle shown of the presentinvention;

[0019]FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are diagrams showing an example of a backmirror used in the vehicle in accordance with the present invention;

[0020]FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are diagrams showing an example of a sidemirror used in the vehicle in accordance with the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the system of the vehicle of thepresent invention;

[0022]FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process using an impact sensor of thepresent invention;

[0023]FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process using a distance measuringsensor of the present invention;

[0024]FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are diagrams showing a display device used inaccordance with the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an active-matrix liquidcrystal display device of Embodiment 1;

[0026]FIG. 11 is a top view of the active-matrix liquid crystal displaydevice of Embodiment 1;

[0027]FIGS. 12A and 12B are block diagrams of drive circuits of theactive-matrix liquid crystal display devices of Embodiment 1;

[0028]FIGS. 13A and 13B are a top view and a cross-sectional view,respectively, of the active-matrix liquid crystal display device ofEmbodiment 2;

[0029]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an EL display device ofEmbodiment 3;

[0030]FIGS. 15A and 15B are a top view and a cross-sectional view,respectively, of the EL display device of Embodiment 3;

[0031]FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D are diagrams showing an example ofthe back mirror of the vehicle in accordance with Embodiment 4;

[0032]FIGS. 17A and 17B are diagrams showing an example of the backmirror of the vehicle in accordance with Embodiment 4;

[0033]FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D are diagrams showing examples ofvehicles to which the present invention can be applied of Embodiment 6;and

[0034]FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a display device provided in aninterior portion of the vehicle of Embodiment 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] [Embodiment Mode]

[0036] The term “vehicle” used in this specification refers to anelectric train, a motor vehicle (e.g. car) or the like for conveyance ofpeople and goods. A vehicle to which the present invention is appliedhas an energy source and a prime mover. The energy source is, forexample, electricity or gasoline. The prime mover is a means forsupplying necessary power for running of the vehicle, which is called anengine. The vehicle also has a body, a transmission, a braking system, asteering mechanism, a suspension, auxiliary equipment, and accessoriesin addition to the energy source and the prime mover.

[0037]FIG. 1 is a top view of the vehicle. The vehicle illustrated inFIG. 1 is a motor vehicle (car). The vehicle travels forward andbackward by using wheels. In this specification, a portion of thevehicle including one end of the vehicle in the forward travelingdirection will be referred to as a front portion, and a portion of thevehicle including the other end will be referred to as a rear portion.The vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1 uses four wheels 106 for traveling.Two of the wheels 106 are provided in the front portion and the othertwo are provided in the rear portion. The vehicle also has four lights107, i.e., two pairs of lights respectively provided on the front andrear portions. The lights 107 are used during running in the night, in adark tunnel, or in other like situations.

[0038] Charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras are used in the vehicleillustrated in FIG. 1. A CCD camera provided on the left-hand side ofthe front portion with respect to the vehicle traveling direction willbe referred to as a CCD left front (CLF) 100; a CCD camera on theright-hand side of the front portion, as a CCD right front (CRF) 101; aCCD camera on the left-hand side of the rear portion, as a CCD left rear(CLR) 102; and a CCD camera on the right-hand side of the rear portion,as a CCD right rear (CRR) 103.

[0039] In this embodiment mode, a camera of a so-called fisheyestructure capable of image pickup in all directions through 360° is usedas each of the CCD cameras CLF 100, CRF 101, CLR 102, and CRR 103 shownin FIG. 1. In this embodiment, two pair of these CCD cameras arerespectively mounted on the front and rear portions of the vehicle andused to image objects surrounding the vehicle. The number of cameras andthe placement of cameras are not limited to those described above. Forexample, a camera may be mounted on the roof of the vehicle. While thecameras used in this embodiment are CCD cameras, any other type ofcameras may alternatively be used in the present invention as long asthe cameras are capable of image pickup.

[0040] The vehicle is provided with two side mirrors. The side mirror onthe lefthand side will be referred to as a display left (DL) 104 and theside mirror on the right-hand side will be referred to as a displayright (DR) 105. The side mirrors are mounted on the opposite sides ofthe body of the vehicle at positions indicated in FIG. 1, for example.Each of the DL 104 and the DL 105 has a display device which is atransmission-type liquid crystal display device, a reflection-typeliquid crystal display device, or an electroluminescent (EL) displaydevice.

[0041]FIG. 2 shows a front view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1. The DL104 is provided on the left-hand side of the vehicle and the DR 105 isprovided on the right-hand side of the vehicle. The lights 107, thewheels 106, the wipers 114, an antenna 116 are also provided.

[0042] The vehicle has a microphone 111 and a sensor 112 mounted on eachside of the vehicle as shown in FIG. 2, although they are not shown inFIG. 1. The vehicle also has a back mirror (room mirror) mounted in theinterior of the vehicle in such a position as to be superposed on awindshield 115 as viewed in FIG. 2. In this specification, the backmirror (room mirror) will be referred to as a back display (BD) 110. TheBD 110 is mounted in or adjacent to a space containing the driver's seatin a place shown in FIG. 2, for example. The BD 110 is provided with adisplay device which is a transmission-type liquid crystal displaydevice, a reflection-type liquid crystal display device, or anelectroluminescent (EL) display device.

[0043]FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1. Thevehicle has lights 107 and wheels 106. The vehicle also has CLR 102mounted on the left-hand side, CRR 103 mounted on the right-hand side,and the microphone 111 and the sensor 112 mounted on each side of thevehicle.

[0044]FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are enlarged views of the BD 110 shown inFIG. 2, i.e., the back mirror (room mirror) provided in the interior ofthe vehicle. The BD 110 has a frame 200, a display device 201, and aconnecting portion 202. The frame 200 is made of a material havingsufficiently high strength and easily workable, e.g., a plastic. A drivecircuit, wiring, etc., for the display device 201 are provided in anupper portion of the frame 200 and are connected to a central processingunit (CPU) or the like through the connecting portion 202. Theconnecting portion 202 is capable of protection of the wiring of thedisplay device 201 connected to the CPU or the like.

[0045]FIG. 4A shows a state where no image is displayed on the displaydevice 201. FIG. 4B shows a state where an image formed by the CCDcamera is displayed on the display device 201. In the state shown inFIG. 4B, a date and a time are displayed by being superposed on theimage. Information such as a date and a time can be displayed whennecessary for a driver or a fellow passenger.

[0046]FIG. 4C shows a state of the BD 110 without the frame 200, andshows a pixel portion 206, a source signal line drive circuit 204, agate signal line drive circuit 205, an external input terminal to whicha flexible printed circuit (FPC) 203 is attached, and wiring 207 forconnecting the external input terminal and input portions of thecircuits. The FPC 203 is connected to a CPU or the like through theconnecting portion 202.

[0047]FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are enlarged views of the side mirror DR 105mounted on the right-hand side of the vehicle as viewed in FIG. 1. Theside mirror DR 104 mounted on the left-hand side of the vehicle has ashape formed by horizontally flipping the shape of the side mirror DR105. The DR 105 has a display device 211, a frame 210, and a connectingportion 212. The frame 210 is made of a material having sufficientlyhigh strength and easily workable, e.g., a plastic. A drive circuit,wiring, etc., for the display device 211 are provided in a lower portionof the frame 210.

[0048]FIG. 5A shows a state where no image is displayed on the displaydevice 211. FIG. 5B shows a state where an image formed by the CCDcamera is displayed on the display device 211. In the state shown inFIG. 5B, a date and a time are displayed by being superposed on theimage. Information such as a date and a time can be displayed whennecessary for a driver or a fellow passenger.

[0049]FIG. 5C shows a state of the DR 105 without the frame 210, andshows the pixel portion 206, the source signal line drive circuit 204,the gate signal line drive circuit 205, the external input terminal towhich the flexible printed circuit (FPC) 203 is attached, and wiring 206for connecting the external input terminal and input portions of thecircuits. The FPC 203 is connected to the CPU through the connectingportion 212.

[0050] It is necessary that the display device in accordance with thepresent invention be formed in such a shape as to be capable of beingaccommodated in the side mirror or back mirror. FIGS. 4C and 5Cillustrate only examples of the shape of the display device. The displaydevice may have any shape if it can be accommodated in the frame.Further, FIGS. 4A-4C and 5A-5C respectively illustrate only examples ofthe shapes of the back mirror and the side mirror, and each of the backmirror and the side mirror may have any other shape.

[0051]FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the structure of the vehicle andthe display device used in the present invention.

[0052] A CPU 301 has an operating button interface section 302 a and avideo signal processing section 303. The system illustrated in FIG. 6 isconfigured so as to be centrally controlled by the CPU 301. Arrows inFIG. 6 indicate signal inputs and outputs.

[0053] Operating buttons 302 c are provided in the interior of thevehicle in such a position that a user can easily operate it, forexample, in a position closer to the driver's seat. When the operatingbuttons 302 c are operated, a signal from the operating buttons 302 c isinput to the operating button interface section 302 a through a buttoninput signal processing circuit 302 b. The input signal undergoesprocessing in the CPU 301 and predetermined signals are thereby outputfrom the CPU 301 to devices such as an audio processing circuit 305 anda control circuit 309 or to a sensor 319.

[0054] An audio device 304 has the audio processing circuit 305, amicrophone 306, and a speaker 307. The microphone 306 is providedoutside the vehicle while the speaker 307 is provided in the interior ofthe vehicle. The microphone 306 converts sound (sound waves) fromsurroundings of the vehicle into an electrical signal and outputs thesignal to the audio processing circuit 305. The audio processing circuit305 outputs a vibrating signal to the speaker 307 to cause mechanicalvibration in a diaphragm of the speaker 307, thereby producing sound(sound waves). The user can operate the audio device 304 through the CPU301 by operating the operating buttons 302 c. That is, the user can hearsounds from surroundings of the vehicle through the audio device 304when necessary.

[0055] One or a plurality of cameras 315 are provided in one or aplurality of places in a vehicle 336 and are connected to the CPU 301through an interface port 314. The user can operate each camera 315 byoperating the operating buttons 302 c when necessary. Information fromthe camera 315 is input to the CPU 301 through the interface port 314.Data processing is performed in the CPU 301 to display given informationon the display device 308 through the control circuit 309. Morespecifically, information processed in the CPU 301 is output as a videosignal (data signal) from the video signal processing section 303 to thecontrol circuit 309. The control circuit 309 supplies the video signaland a clock signal (timing signal) to the display device 308. That is,the control circuit 309 has the function of dividing the video signalinto data in correspondence with pixels of the display device 308, andthe function of converting externally-input horizontal and verticalsynchronizing signals into a signal for starting the drive circuit, asignal for controlling timing of forming alternating current in aninternal power supply circuit, and a clock signal.

[0056] To the CPU 301 are also connected a video random access memory(VRAM) 313, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) 311, a flash memory312, and a memory card 310. The CPU 301 is provided in the vehicle 336and accommodated in a sturdy heat-resistant box. It is preferred thatthe CPU 301 be mounted in a place in the vehicle where variation intemperature is comparatively small, such as the lower portion of thedriver's seat.

[0057] The sensors 319 comprise an impact sensor 316 and a distancemeasuring sensor 317. The user can operate the impact sensor 316 and thedistance measuring sensor 317 through the CPU 301 by the operatingbuttons 302 c.

[0058] The impact sensor 316 will be described with reference to FIG. 7.One or a plurality of impact sensors 316 are provided in one or aplurality of places in the vehicle 336. Each impact sensor 316 senses anexternally-applied impact force larger than a predetermined value andoutputs a danger signal (impact signal) to the CPU 301 when detectingsuch a force.

[0059] In FIG. 7, S1 to S3 represent lapses of time, and arrowsrepresent signal inputs and outputs. When the impact sensor 316 sensesan impact force (S1), a danger signal (impact signal) is output from thesensor to the CPU 301. In the CPU 301 operating for centralized controlof the system in the vehicle 336, data processing is performed when theCPU 301 is supplied with the danger signal (S2). The CPU 301 thenoutputs a signal to the audio processing circuit 305 in the audio device304 to warn a driver driving the vehicle or a fellow passenger of adanger by a sound through the speaker 307. The CPU 301 also outputs asignal to the control circuit 309 to display a warning about the dangeron the display device 308 (S3). In this specification, the combinationof the control circuit 309 which outputs signals to the display device308 and the display device 308 which displays a warning about a dangerwill be referred to as an alarm device 340.

[0060] The distance measuring sensor 317 will next be described withreference to FIG. 8. One or a plurality of distance measuring sensors317 are provided in one or a plurality of places in the body of thevehicle. Each distance measuring sensor 317 is used to measure thedistance to another vehicle existing on the front, rear, lefthand orright-hand side of the vehicle having the sensor. The user can use thedistance measuring sensor 317 by operating the operating buttons 302 cwhen necessary.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 8, a light emitting portion 401 is that of ascanning-type laser. The scanning-type laser moves in a scanning mannera laser beam in synchronization with an output signal produced in alight emitting signal output section 403. The laser beam emitted fromone of the distance measuring sensors 317 provided in suitable portionsof the vehicle is reflected by some other vehicle and received through alight receiving portion 402. The received laser beam is supplied to adistance computation section 405 through a received light signaldetection section 404. In the distance computation section 405, thedistance between the vehicles is computed from the time from the momentat which the laser beam is emitted to the moment at which the laser beamis returned by being reflected.

[0062] Information on the distance between the vehicles computed in thedistance computation section 405 is output to the CPU 301 through adistance indication output section 406. In the CPU 301, data processingof the supplied information is performed. A signal is output from theCPU 301 to the control circuit 309 to indicate on the display device 308the distance between the vehicles computed in the distance computationsection 405. The CPU 301 is connected to the operating buttons 302 c toenable the user to display the information read with the distancemeasuring sensor 317 on the display device 308 by operating theoperating buttons 302 c when necessary.

[0063] In this embodiment, a scanning-type laser is used as the lightemitting portion 401. However, the present invention is not limited tothis, and any other type of laser may alternatively be used.

[0064]FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are diagrams each showing an example ofdisplay of information read from the impact sensor 316 and the distancemeasuring sensor 317, the information being displayed on the displaydevice provided in the back mirror BD 110.

[0065]FIG. 9A shows a state of display of an image from one of thecameras mounted on the vehicle. FIG. 9B shows a state where a date, atime, the distance to a vehicle in front and the distance to a vehiclein back are displayed in addition of an image from the camera mounted onthe vehicle. FIG. 9C shows a state where an image from the cameramounted on the vehicle and a warning given when the impact sensoroutputs a detection signal are displayed on the display device.

[0066] As described above, information read from the camera, distancemeasuring sensor and impact sensor mounted on the vehicle is displayedon each of the display devices provided in the side mirror and the backmirror when necessary, thus enabling a driver driving the vehicle or afellow passenger to obtain necessary information.

[0067] [Embodiment 1]

[0068] A liquid crystal display device which is an example of thedisplay device provided in the side or back mirror and which representsan embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0069]FIG. 10 shows an example of a liquid crystal display device havinga pixel portion 602 and a drive circuit 601 for driving the pixelportion 602 (in a state before a liquid crystal material is contained).

[0070] A complementary metal-oxide-silicon (CMOS) circuit, which is abasic unit of the drive circuit 601, and one pixel in the pixel portion602 are illustrated.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 10, on a substrate are formed the drive circuit601 including a logic circuit 680 and a sampling circuit 681, which areconstituted by n-channel thin-film transistors (TFTs) 605 and 606 andp-channel TFTs 603 and 604, and the pixel portion 602 constituted by apixel TFT 607, which is an n-channel TFT, and a storage capacitor 608.In this embodiment, each TFT is formed as a top gate type of TFT.

[0072] The pixel TFT 607 has a structure (double-gate structure) inwhich two channel forming regions are provided between a source regionand a drain region. In this embodiment, however, the double-gatestructure is not exclusively used and a single-gate structure in whichone channel forming region is formed or a triplegate structure in whichthree channel-forming regions are formed may alternatively be used.

[0073] In this embodiment, a pixel electrode connected to the drainregion of the pixel TFT 607 is formed as a reflecting electrode.Preferably, the pixel electrode is formed of a member having highreflectivity, e.g., a film of a material having Al or Ag as a maincomponent of laminated films of such materials. Preferably, the formedpixel electrode is processed by an additional well-known sandblasting oretching step to form irregularities in its surface, thereby preventingmirror reflection and scattering reflected light so that the whitenesslevel is increased. While the embodiment has been described as areflection type of liquid crystal display device having the pixelelectrode formed as a reflecting electrode, a transmission type ofliquid crystal display device may alternatively be used in which thepixel electrode is formed as a transparent electroconductive filminstead of the reflecting electrode.

[0074] After the progression of the fabrication process to the stateshown in FIG. 10, an alignment film is formed over the pixel electrodeand undergoes rubbing. In this embodiment, pillar-like spacers forsetting a substrate spacing are formed at predetermined positions bypatterning an organic resin film such as an acrylic resin film beforethe formation of the alignment film. Spherical spacers may be providedby being dispersed over the entire substrate surface instead of thepillar-like spacers.

[0075] Next, an opposed substrate is prepared. A colored layer and alight shielding layer are formed on the opposed substrate. A levelingfilm is thereafter formed. Next, a counter electrode formed of atransparent conductive film is formed on the leveling film at leastabove the pixel portion 602, and an alignment film is formed on theentire surface of the opposed substrate and rubbed.

[0076] The stainless substrate on which the pixel portion 602 and thedrive circuit 601 are formed and the fixed substrate are attached toeach other by an adhesive layer (a layer of a sealing material in thisembodiment). A filler is mixed in the material of the adhesive layer.The two substrates are attached to each other by being uniformly spacedapart from each other by the filler and the pillar-like spacers. The gapbetween the two substrates is thereafter filled with a liquid crystalmaterial and is completely sealed with a sealing material (not shown).The liquid crystal material is not limited to a particular kind andsealing may be made by using any of well-known liquid crystal materials.

[0077] After the step of filling the gap with the liquid crystal andsealing the gap (or containing the liquid crystal), the substrate holderis separated. A state of the above-described liquid crystal displaydevice after this step, represented by a state shown in FIG. 11, willnext be described.

[0078] In the state illustrated in the top view of FIG. 11, a stainlesssubstrate 619 on which a pixel portion 610, a drive circuit (a gatesignal line drive circuit 613, a source signal line drive circuit 614),an external input terminal to which an FPC 616 is attached, wiring 618for connecting the external input terminal and input portions of thecircuit, etc., are formed and an opposed substrate 620 on which a colorfilter 611, etc., are formed are attached to each other by a sealingmaterial 615.

[0079] A light shielding layer 612 a is provided on the opposedsubstrate 620 side by being superposed on the gate signal line drivecircuit 613, and a light shielding layer 612 b is also provided on theopposed substrate 620 side by being superposed on the source signal linedrive circuit 614. The color filter 611 provided on the opposedsubstrate 620 side of the pixel portion 610 has colored layers havingcolors red (R), green (G), and blue (B) formed in correspondence withpixels. In actual color display, a multicolor image is displayed byusing the three colors of the red (R) colored layer, the green (G)colored layer and the blue (B) colored layer. The colored layers havingthese colors may be arrayed in any pattern.

[0080] The color filter 611 for colorization is not necessarily providedon the opposed substrate 620. It may be formed on the stainlesssubstrate 619 at the time of device fabrication on the stainlesssubstrate 619. A light shielding layer is provided between adjacentpixels in the color filter 611 to block light at portions other than thedisplay region. In this embodiment, the light shielding layers 612 a and612 b are also provided on the regions covering the drive circuit (thegate signal line drive circuit 613, the source signal line drive circuit614). However, the liquid crystal display device may be formed withoutlight shielding layers 612 a and 612 b because the regions covering thedrive circuit (the gate signal line drive circuit 613, the source signalline drive circuit 614) are covered with portions of an electronicdevice when the liquid crystal display device is incorporated as adisplay unit in the electronic device. Alternatively, light shieldinglayers may be formed on the stainless substrate 619 when the necessaryelements are fabricated on stainless substrate 619.

[0081] Further, the arrangement may alternatively be such that theabove-described light shielding layers 612 a and 612 b are not providedbut a plurality of colored layers constituting the color filter arelaminated at suitable positions between the opposed substrate 620 andthe counter electrode to block light at portions (the gaps between thepixel electrodes) other than the display region and at the drive circuit(the gate signal line drive circuit 613, the source signal line drivecircuit 614).

[0082] The FPC 616 formed of a base film and wiring is attached to theexternal input terminal by an anisotropic electroconductive resin. Thisconnection is mechanically reinforced by a reinforcing plate.

[0083] A polarizing plate (not shown) is attached only to the opposedsubstrate 620.

[0084] The liquid crystal display device fabricated as described abovecan be used as a display device mounted in the side or back mirror.

[0085] Examples of a circuit configuration in the liquid crystal displaydevice in this embodiment will next be described with reference to FIGS.12A and 12B.

[0086]FIG. 12A shows a circuit configuration for analog drive having asource line drive circuit 631, a pixel portion 630, and a gate linedrive circuit 632.

[0087] The source line drive circuit 631 has a shift register 631 a, abuffer 631 b, a sampling circuit (transfer gate) 631 c. The gate linedrive circuit 632 has a shift register 632 a, a level shifter 632 b, anda buffer 632 c. A level shifter circuit may be provided between thesampling circuit and the shift register if necessary.

[0088] In this embodiment, the pixel portion 630 includes a plurality ofpixels each having a TFT device.

[0089] All TFT devices provided in the source line drive circuit 631 andthe gate line drive circuit 632 may be formed as p-channel TFTs orn-channel TFTs, or may be formed by using a combination of p-channelTFTs and n-channel TFTs.

[0090] Another gate line drive circuit (not shown) may also be providedon the side of the pixel portion 630 remote from the gate line drivecircuit 632.

[0091] If digital drive is performed, latches (A) 634 b and 634 c may beprovided instead of the sampling circuit, as shown in FIG. 12B. A sourceline drive circuit 634 has a shift register 634 a, a latch (A) 634 b, alatch (B) 634 c, a D/A converter 634 d, and a buffer 634 e. A gate linedrive circuit 635 has a shift register 635 a, a level shifter 635 b, anda buffer 635 c. A level shifter circuit may be provided between thelatch (B) 634 c and the D/A converter 634 d.

[0092] Although only the configurations of the pixel portion and thedrive circuit have been described with respect to this embodiment, amemory and a microprocessor may also be formed.

[0093] This embodiment may be arranged in combination with any of theabove-described features in the mode of implementation of the invention.

[0094] [Embodiment 2]

[0095] A second embodiment of the present invention in which each ofTFTs used in the pixel portion and the drive circuit of a liquid crystaldisplay device provided as a display device mounted in the side or backmirror is formed as an inverted stagger type of TFT will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B. FIG. 13A is an enlarged top view ofone of pixels in the pixel portion. A portion taken along a dotted lineA-A′ in FIG. 13A corresponds to the sectional view of the structure ofthe pixel portion in FIG. 13B. A member 651 illustrated in FIG. 13B is asubstrate having an insulating surface.

[0096] In the pixel portion, each of pixel TFTs 690 is formed as ann-channel TFT. A gate electrode 652 is formed on the substrate 651. Afirst insulating film 653 a formed of silicon nitride and a secondinsulating film 653 b formed of silicon oxide are formed on the gateelectrode 652 and the substrate 651. On the second insulating film 653 bare formed, as regions in an active layer, n⁺ regions 654 to 656,channel forming regions 657 and 658, and n regions 659 and 660. The n⁻regions 659 and 660 are formed among the n⁺ regions 654 to 656 and thechannel forming regions 657 and 658. The channel forming regions 657 and658 are protected by insulating layers 661 and 662. Contact holes areformed in a first interlayer insulating film 663 with which theinsulating layers 661 and 662 and the active layer are covered. Afterthe formation of the contact holes, wiring 664 connected to the n⁺region 654 is formed, a pixel electrode 665 made of Al or Ag isconnected to the n⁺ region 656, and a passivation film 666 is formedthereon. Reference numeral 670 is a pixel electrode adjacent to thepixel electrode 669.

[0097] In this embodiment, the gate wiring to the pixel TFT in the pixelportion is formed in the double-gate structure. However, a multigatestructure such as a triple-gate structure may alternatively be used inorder to reduce variation in off current. Further, a single gatestructure may be used to increase the aperture ratio.

[0098] The capacitor portion 691 in the pixel portion is formed bycapacitor wiring 671 and the n⁺ region 656 with the first insulatingfilm 653 a and the second insulating film 653 b used as a dielectric.

[0099] The pixel portion shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B is only an exampleand the present invention is not limited to the above-describedarrangement.

[0100] The liquid crystal display device fabricated as described abovecan be used as a display device mounted in the side or back mirror inaccordance with the present invention.

[0101] This embodiment may be arranged in combination with any of theabove-described features of Embodiment 1.

[0102] [Embodiment 3]

[0103] A third embodiment of the present invention in which anelectroluminescent (EL) display device is provided as a display devicemounted in the side or back mirror of a vehicle will be described.

[0104]FIG. 14 shows an example of a light emitting device in which apixel portion 705 and a drive circuit 704 for driving the pixel portion705 are provided on one substrate (and which is in a state beforesealing). A CMOS circuit which is a basic unit in the drive circuit 704is illustrated.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 14, a member 701 is a substrate on which aninsulating film is formed. The CMOS of the drive circuit 704 constitutedby an n-channel TFT 720 and a p-channel TFT 721 is formed on theinsulating film. A switching TFT 702, which is a p-channel TFT, and acurrent control TFT 703, which is an n-channel TFT, are also formed onthe insulating film. In this embodiment, each TFT is formed as a topgate type of TFT. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0106] The switching TFT 702 has a structure (double-gate structure) inwhich two channel forming regions are provided between a source regionand a drain region. In this embodiment, however, the double-gatestructure is not exclusively used and a single-gate structure in whichone channel forming region is formed or a triple-gate structure in whichthree channel-forming regions are formed may alternatively be used.

[0107] A contact hole is formed in a first interlayer insulating film707 above a drain region 706 of the current control TFT 703 before asecond interlayer insulating film 708 is formed. This procedure isadopted to simplify an etching process when a contact hole is formed inthe second interlayer insulating film 708. The contact hole is formed ina second interlayer insulating film 708 so as to extend to the drainregion 706, and a pixel electrode 709 is formed so as to connect to thedrain region 706 of the current control TFT 703. The pixel electrode 709is an electrode which functions as a cathode of an EL element 710, andwhich is formed by using a conductive film containing an element whichbelongs to the group 1 or 2 in the periodic table. In this embodiment, aconductive film formed of a compound of lithium and aluminum.

[0108] An insulating film 713 is formed so as to cover an end portion ofthe pixel electrode 709. The insulating film 713 will be referred to as“bank” in this specification. The bank 713 may be formed of aninsulating film containing silicon or a resin film. If a resin film isused, carbon particles or metal particles may be added so that theresistivity of the resin film is 1×10⁶ to 1×10¹² Ωm (preferably 1×10⁸ to1×10¹⁰ Ωm), thereby reducing the possibility of insulation breakdown atthe time of film forming.

[0109] The EL element 710 is constituted by the pixel electrode(cathode) 709, an EL layer 711, and an anode 712. To form the anode 712,a conductive film having a high work function, typically an oxideconductive film is used. As an oxide conductive film, indium oxide, tinoxide, zinc oxide or a component of such oxides may be used. The lightemitting device in this embodiment is formed as an upward emission typeof light emitting device. However, this embodiment is not limited to theupward emission type of light emitting device, and a downward emissiontype of light emitting device can be formed by suitably changing thestructure of the EL element.

[0110] In this embodiment, an EL layer 711 is defined as a laminatedmember having a combination of a light emitting layer and a holeinjection layer, a hole transport layer, hole block layer, an electrontransport layer, an electron injection layer or an electron block layer.

[0111] Any of well-known EL materials may be used to form the lightemitting layer. For example, a thin film of a light emitting materialcapable of emitting light by singlet excitation (singlet compound) or athin film of a light emitting material capable of emitting light bytriplet excitation (triplet compound) is used.

[0112] A method (not illustrated) may be effectively used in which,after the formation of anode 712, a passivation film is formed so as tocompletely cover the EL element 710. The passivation film may be aninsulating film comprising a carbon film, a silicon nitride film or asilicon nitride oxide film, or may be a single layer of such aninsulating film or a layer formed by laminating a combination of suchfilms.

[0113] The fabrication process includes, as a final step, the step ofsealing (encapsulation) for protection of the EL element are performed.The EL display device after sealing will be described with reference toFIGS. 15A and 15B.

[0114]FIG. 15A is a top view when the step of sealing the EL element iscompleted, and FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′in FIG. 15A. A region 801 indicated by a dotted line corresponds to apixel portion, a region 802 corresponds to a source line drive circuit,and a region 803 corresponds to a gate line drive circuit. A covermember 804, a first sealing material 805, and a second seating material806 are provided.

[0115] An FPC 808 is a wiring for transmitting signals to be input tothe source line drive circuit 802 and the gate line drive circuit 803.In other words, the source line drive circuit 802 and the gate linedrive circuit 803 are supplied with a video signal and a clock signalthrough the FPC 808 corresponding to an external input terminal. Aprinted wiring base (PWB) may be attached to the FPC 808 although onlythe FPC 808 is illustrated.

[0116] The structure of the display device will be described withreference to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 15B. The pixel portion anda source line drive circuit 809 are formed above a substrate 800. Thepixel portion is formed by a plurality of pixels each including acurrent control TFT 810 and a pixel electrode 811 electrically connectedto the drain of the current control TFT 810. The source line drivecircuit 809 is formed by using a CMOS circuit comprising a combinationof n-channel TFTs and p-channel TFTs. A polarizing plate (typically acircularly polarizing plate) may be attached to the substrate 800.

[0117] Banks 812 are formed on opposite ends of the pixel electrode 811,and an EL layer 813 and an anode 814 of the EL element are formed on thepixel electrode 811. The anode 814 also functions as a common wiring forall the pixels and is electrically connected to the FPC 816 byconnection wiring 815. All the elements included in the pixel portionand the source-side drive circuit 809 are covered with a passivationfilm (not shown).

[0118] The cover member 804 is attached by the first sealing material805. Spacers may be provided for spacing between the cover member 804and the EL device. A space 817 is formed inside the first sealingmaterial 805. It is preferred that the first sealing material 805 beimpermeable to water and oxygen. Further, it is effective to provide inthe space 817 a material having a hygroscopic effect and/or a materialhaving an anti-oxidizing effect.

[0119] Preferably, a carbon film (specifically, a diamond-like carbonfilm) having a thickness of about 2 to 30 nm may be formed as aprotective film on each of the outer and inner surfaces of the covermember 804. Such a carbon film (not shown) has the functions ofpreventing oxygen and water from entering the display device andmechanically protecting the surface of the cover member 804.

[0120] After bonding of the cover member 804, the second sealingmaterial 806 is provided so as to cover the exposed surface of the firstsealing material 805. The same material as the first sealing material805 may be used as second sealing material 806.

[0121] The EL device is encapsulated in the above-described structure tobe completely shielded from the outside, thereby preventing substancessuch water and oxygen capable of degrading the EL layer by oxidationfrom entering the device. Thus, an EL display device having improvedreliability can be obtained.

[0122] The EL display device fabricated as described above can be usedas a display device mounted in the side or back mirror in accordancewith the present invention. This embodiment may be arranged incombination with any of the above-described features of Embodiments 1and 2.

[0123] [Embodiment 4]

[0124] An embodiment of the present invention represented by a backmirror or a side mirror of a construction different from that in theabove-described mode of implementation of the invention will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 16A-16D and 17A-17B. FIGS. 16A-16D and17A-17B show examples of the back mirror BD 110.

[0125]FIGS. 16A to 16D are enlarged diagram of the back mirror BD 110mounted on the vehicle shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 16A shows a mirror 220, andFIG. 16B shows the display device 201. FIG. 16C shows the frame 200. Theframe 200 is made of a material such as a plastic easily workable andhas a cavity.

[0126]FIG. 16D is a cross-sectional view seen along a lengthwisedirection of the back mirror BD 110. The mirror 220 and the displaydevice 201 are placed in the frame 200, the mirror being superposed onthe display device and positioned externally relative to the displaydevice. The FPC 203 of the display device 201 is connected via theconnecting portion 202 to the CPU provided in the vehicle.

[0127] The mirror 220 is a mirror called a one-way mirror or halfmirror, i.e., a mirror having a glass plate on which a thin film of ametal is formed and another glass plate superposed on the metal film.That is, an object on the light side can be seen through the mirror fromthe dark side, while no object at the back of the mirror can be seenthrough the mirror from the light side. That is, when the display device201 is not activated, the BD 110 functions as a mirror. When the displaydevice 201 is activated, a user can recognize a display on the displaydevice 201 through the mirror 220.

[0128] Other examples of the back mirror BD 110 each different inconstruction from that shown in FIGS. 16A to 16D will be described withreference to FIGS. 17A and 17B.

[0129] The size of the BD 110 shown in FIG. 17A is about twice that ofthe BD 110 shown in FIG. 16C. While the mirror 220 and the displaydevice 201 are superposed in the arrangement shown in FIGS. 16A to 16D,the display device 201 shown in FIG. 17A is placed parallel to themirror 220.

[0130] The size of the BD 110 is not specially limited and may be freelyselected in designing by a designer.

[0131] The size of the BD 110 shown in FIG. 17B is approximately thesame as that of the BD 110 shown in FIG. 16C. In the arrangement shownin FIG. 17B, however, the display device 201 and the mirror 220 eachapproximately half the size of the display device or mirror shown inFIG. 16C or 16A are placed parallel in a side by side fashion. Themirrors shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B may be of any type not limited to thehalf mirror in the arrangement shown in FIGS. 16A to 16D as long as theyfunction as a mirror.

[0132] This embodiment may be arranged in combination with any of theabove-described features of Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0133] [Embodiment 5]

[0134] An example of provision of the display device in the back or sidemirror has been described with respect to the mode of implementation. Anembodiment of the present invention in which the display device isprovided in an interior portion of the vehicle will be described withreference to FIG. 19.

[0135]FIG. 19 shows the interior of a vehicle in the vicinity of thedriver's seat and the fellow passenger's seat. A steeling wheel 901,operating buttons 902, a display device 903, and a speaker 904 areillustrated in FIG. 19 by way of example. A driver who drives thevehicle operates the steeling wheel 901. A user uses the operatingbuttons 902 when operating a sensor or a camera. The speaker 904 can beused as an audio device.

[0136] Information read from the camera and sensor is displayed on thedisplay device 903 to enable the driver and the fellow passenger in thevehicle to obtain necessary information.

[0137] The display device shown in FIG. 19 is placed in the vicinity ofthe driver's seat. However, the present invention is not limited tothis. For example, the display device may be provided on the driver'sseat or the fellow passenger's seat to be easily viewed by a passengersitting in a rear seat. The placement of the operating buttons 902 andthat of the speaker 904 in this embodiment are only an example and theoperating buttons 902 and the speaker 904 may be mounted in any otherplaces in the vehicle. The operating buttons 902 may be provided in aremote controller.

[0138] This embodiment may be arranged in combination with any of theabove-described features of Embodiments 1 to 4.

[0139] [Embodiment 6]

[0140] The display device of the present invention is used for variouspurposes. An embodiment of the present invention relating applicationsof vehicles in which the display device of the present invention isincorporated will be described with reference to FIGS. 18A to 18D.

[0141] The mode of implementation of the invention has been describedwith respect to a vehicle for transport of a small number of passengersby way of example. However, vehicles to which the present invention canbe applied include motor vehicles, such as sport cars, trucks, buses,station wagons, special-purpose vehicles (ambulance cars, etc.),special-type vehicles (tractors, etc.), specially-equipped vehicles(tank trucks, etc.), electric train, cars, and motorcycles. FIGS. 18A to18D show examples of such vehicles.

[0142]FIG. 18A illustrates a bus for transport of a large number ofpassengers. The bus has a side mirror 2001, a back mirror 2000, a camera2002, a sensor 2003, and lights 2004. The bus also has wheels 2005 andtravels on a road by the wheels 2005. The display device of the presentinvention can be mounted in each of the side mirror 2001 and the backmirror 2000.

[0143]FIG. 18B illustrates a sport car for enjoying sport driving. Thepassenger capacity of the sport car is ordinary two and at most four.The sport car has a back mirror 2010, a side mirror 2011, a camera 2012,a sensor 2013, and lights 2014. The sport car also has wheels 2015 anduses the wheels 2015 when traveling on a road. The display device of thepresent invention can be mounted in each of the back mirror 2010 and theside mirror 2011.

[0144]FIG. 18C illustrates an electric train car having a side mirror2021, a camera 2022, a sensor 2023, and lights 2024. The car also haswheels 2025 and uses the wheels 2025 when traveling on rails. Thedisplay device of the present invention can be mounted in the sidemirror 2021.

[0145]FIG. 18D illustrates a motorcycle having a side mirror 2031, acamera 2032, a sensor 2033, and a light 2034. The motorcycle also haswheels 2035 and uses the wheels 2025 when traveling on a road. Thedisplay device of the present invention can be mounted in the sidemirror 2031.

[0146] As described above, the range of application of the presentinvention is markedly wide and the invention can be applied to all kindsof vehicles. Further, this embodiment may be arranged in combinationwith any of the above-described features of Embodiments 1 to 5.

[0147] According to the present invention, the display device is mountedin a side mirror (door mirror) and a back mirror (room mirror) providedon a vehicle, or in an interior portion of the vehicle. The displaydevice displays an image of any of objects surrounding the vehicle,which is obtained by a camera provided on the vehicle. The field of viewobtained through the side or back mirror can be increased thereby. Also,information obtained through the sensor mounted on the vehicle isdisplayed on the display device, and the user of the display device candisplay the information according to user's need.

[0148] The vehicle in accordance with the present invention is providedwith an alarm device which is constituted by an audio device and adisplay device. When an impact sensor outputs a danger signal, anindication of a danger is provided on the display device and a warningof the danger is given through the audio device. As described above, thedisplay device is provided in side and back mirrors or in an interiorportion of a vehicle to enable a driver and a fellow passenger to obtainnecessary information at any time.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device mounted on a vehicle, whereinthe vehicle has a side mirror, wherein the display device is mounted inthe side mirror.
 2. A display device mounted on a vehicle, wherein thevehicle has a back mirror, wherein the display device is mounted in theback mirror.
 3. A vehicle comprising: a side mirror; a camera; a displaydevice mounted in the side mirror, wherein the display device displaysinformation read from the camera.
 4. A vehicle comprising: a backmirror; a camera; a display device mounted in the back mirror, whereinthe display device displays information read from the camera.
 5. Avehicle comprising: a side mirror; a camera; a central processing unit;a video signal processing section in the central processing unit, saidvideo signal processing section being supplied with information read bythe camera; a control circuit being supplied with a video signal fromthe central processing unit; and a display device mounted in the sidemirror, said display device being supplied with the video signal and atiming signal from the control circuit.
 6. A vehicle comprising: a backmirror; a camera; a central processing unit; a video signal processingsection in the central processing unit, said video signal processingsection being supplied with information read by the camera; a controlcircuit being supplied with a video signal from the central processingunit; and a display device mounted in the back mirror, said displaydevice being supplied with the video signal and a timing signal from thecontrol circuit.
 7. A vehicle comprising: a side mirror; a sensor formeasuring a distance to another vehicle; and a display device mounted inthe side mirror, said display device displaying information read fromthe sensor.
 8. A vehicle comprising: a back mirror; a sensor formeasuring a distance to another vehicle; and a display device mounted inthe back mirror, said display device displaying information read fromthe sensor.
 9. A vehicle comprising: a side mirror; a sensor formeasuring a distance to another vehicle; a central processing unit; avideo signal processing section in the central processing unit saidvideo signal processing section being supplied with information readfrom the sensor; a control circuit being supplied with a video signalfrom the central processing unit; and a display device mounted in theside mirror, said display device being supplied with the video signaland a timing signal from the control circuit.
 10. A vehicle comprising:a back mirror; a sensor for measuring a distance to another vehicle; acentral processing unit; a video signal processing section in thecentral processing unit, said video signal processing section beingsupplied with information read from the sensor; a control circuit beingsupplied with a video signal from the central processing unit; and adisplay device mounted in the back mirror, said display device beingsupplied with the video signal and a timing signal from the controlcircuit.
 11. A vehicle comprising: a side mirror; a sensor for sensingan impact; and a display device mounted in the side mirror, said displaydevice displaying information read from the sensor.
 12. A vehiclecomprising: a back mirror; a sensor for sensing an impact; and a displaydevice mounted in the back mirror, said display device displayinginformation read from the sensor.
 13. A vehicle comprising: a sidemirror; a sensor for sensing an impact; a central processing unit; avideo signal processing section in the central processing unit, saidvideo signal processing section being supplied with information readfrom the sensor; a control circuit being supplied with a video signalfrom the central processing unit; and a display device mounted in theside mirror, said display device being supplied with the video signaland a timing signal from the control circuit.
 14. A vehicle comprising:a back mirror; a sensor for sensing an impact; a central processingunit; a video signal processing section in the central processing unit,said video signal processing section being supplied with informationread from the sensor; a control circuit being supplied with a videosignal from the central processing unit; and a display device mounted inthe back mirror, said display device being supplied with the videosignal and a timing signal from the control circuit.
 15. A vehiclecomprising: a side mirror; an impact sensor for sensing an impact; anaudio device having a speaker and a microphone; an alarm device havingan audio processing circuit and a control circuit; a central processingunit supplied with an impact signal when the impact sensor senses animpact; wherein the audio processing circuit and the control circuit aresupplied with the impact signal from the central processing unit; amicrophone for warning of a danger given from a signal supplied from theaudio processing circuit; and a display device mounted in the sidemirror, said display device displaying a warning based on a signalsupplied from the control circuit.
 16. A vehicle comprising: a backmirror; an impact sensor for sensing an impact; an audio device having aspeaker and a microphone; an alarm device having an audio processingcircuit and a control circuit; a central processing unit supplied withan impact signal when the impact sensor senses an impact; wherein theaudio processing circuit and the control circuit are supplied with theimpact signal from the central processing unit; a microphone for warningof a danger given from a signal supplied from the audio processingcircuit; and a display device mounted in the back mirror, said displaydevice displaying a warning based on a signal supplied from the controlcircuit.
 17. A vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the cameracomprises a CCD camera.
 18. A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein ahalf mirror is provided in the side mirror.
 19. A vehicle according toclaim 1, wherein the display device is a liquid crystal display device.20. A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the display device is anelectroluminescent (EL) display device.
 21. A vehicle according to claim2, wherein a half mirror is provided in the back mirror.
 22. A vehicleaccording to claim 2, wherein the display device is a liquid crystaldisplay device.
 23. A vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the displaydevice is an electroluminescent (EL) display device.
 24. A vehicleaccording to claim 3, wherein a half mirror is provided in the sidemirror.
 25. A vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the display deviceis a liquid crystal display device.
 26. A vehicle according to claim 3,wherein the display device is an electroluminescent (EL) display device.27. A vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the camera comprises a CCDcamera.
 28. A vehicle according to claim 4, wherein a half mirror isprovided in the back mirror.
 29. A vehicle according to claim 4, whereinthe display device is a liquid crystal display device.
 30. A vehicleaccording to claim 4, wherein the display device is anelectroluminescent (EL) display device.
 31. A vehicle according to claim5, wherein the camera comprises a CCD camera.
 32. A vehicle according toclaim 5, wherein a half mirror is provided in the side mirror.
 33. Avehicle according to claim 5, wherein the display device is a liquidcrystal display device.
 34. A vehicle according to claim 5, wherein thedisplay device is an electroluminescent (EL) display device.
 35. Avehicle according to claim 6, wherein the camera comprises a CCD camera.36. A vehicle according to claim 6, wherein a half mirror is provided inthe back mirror.
 37. A vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the displaydevice is a liquid crystal display device.
 38. A vehicle according toclaim 6, wherein the display device is an electroluminescent (EL)display device.
 39. A vehicle according to claim 7, wherein a halfmirror is provided in the side mirror.
 40. A vehicle according to claim7, wherein the display device is a liquid crystal display device.
 41. Avehicle according to claim 7, wherein the display device is anelectroluminescent (EL) display device.
 42. A vehicle according to claim8, wherein a half mirror is provided in the back mirror.
 43. A vehicleaccording to claim 8, wherein the display device is a liquid crystaldisplay device.
 44. A vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the displaydevice is an electroluminescent (EL) display device.
 45. A vehicleaccording to claim 9, wherein a half mirror is provided in the sidemirror.
 46. A vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the display deviceis a liquid crystal display device.
 47. A vehicle according to claim 9,wherein the display device is an electroluminescent (EL) display device.48. A vehicle according to claim 10, wherein a half mirror is providedin the back mirror.
 49. A vehicle according to claim 10, wherein thedisplay device is a liquid crystal display device.
 50. A vehicleaccording to claim 10, wherein the display device is anelectroluminescent (EL) display device.
 51. A vehicle according to claim11, wherein a half mirror is provided in the side mirror.
 52. A vehicleaccording to claim 11, wherein the display device is a liquid crystaldisplay device.
 53. A vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the displaydevice is an electroluminescent (EL) display device.
 54. A vehicleaccording to claim 12, wherein a half mirror is provided in the backmirror.
 55. A vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the display deviceis a liquid crystal display device.
 56. A vehicle according to claim 12,wherein the display device is an electroluminescent (EL) display device.57. A vehicle according to claim 13, wherein a half mirror is providedin the side mirror.
 58. A vehicle according to claim 13, wherein thedisplay device is a liquid crystal display device.
 59. A vehicleaccording to claim 13, wherein the display device is anelectroluminescent (EL) display device.
 60. A vehicle according to claim14, wherein a half mirror is provided in the back mirror.
 61. A vehicleaccording to claim 14, wherein the display device is a liquid crystaldisplay device.
 62. A vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the displaydevice is an electroluminescent (EL) display device.
 63. A vehicleaccording to claim 15, wherein a half mirror is provided in the sidemirror.
 64. A vehicle according to claim 15, wherein the display deviceis a liquid crystal display device.
 65. A vehicle according to claim 15,wherein the display device is an electroluminescent (EL) display device.66. A vehicle according to claim 16, wherein a half mirror is providedin the back mirror.
 67. A vehicle according to claim 16, wherein thedisplay device is a liquid crystal display device.
 68. A vehicleaccording to claim 16, wherein the display device is anelectroluminescent (EL) display device.